Colorado Church Insurance Policy Information

Colorado Church Insurance. Insurance for churches include specific types of coverage for each particular type of church. Chapel insurance, cathedral insurance, synagogue insurance, and temple insurance are common and usually included in a wider umbrella of a specific church policy. Since church insurance is a specialty insurance type, not many companies offer this coverage.

Churches and other houses of worship conduct religious services for their members. Some provide rental hall operations of their facilities for events such as wedding receptions. Others sponsor sports and athletic teams, events, and programs. There may be extensive youth activities, from occasional Mother’s Day Out programs to full-time preschools, kindergartens, elementary, and/or secondary schools.

Services may be provided for the disabled, handicapped, destitute, or emotionally and mentally impaired, such as a food pantry, Meals on Wheels, job, credit or family counseling. Drug, alcohol, and substance abuse services may be offered. Missionary trips may be sponsored within the U.S. or in foreign countries. Churches and other religious organizations may take on a variety of ministries that are unique and require a separate review. Consider the type of ministry, such as daycare or elementary school, and then review the narrative that would fit that operation.

Companies that insure churches offer both liability and property coverage with specific options that are tailored to the individual church's needs. Churches require unique coverage to protect them from liability in their particular areas of vulnerability. While some policies may include liability and property coverage as part of a standard umbrella, others may require that a church purchase separate endorsements for their Colorado church insurance policies to really protect them from a 360-degree viewpoint.

Colorado church insurance protects your ministry from legal liability with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and protect your congregation now.

Types of Coverage for Churches

Around 63 million people attend church each week in the United States, which makes up around one-fifth of the population. Americans put a lot of emphasis on religion, with people who attend church trusting in the church to provide them strength and guidance. However, most churches have assets that they must protect from potential liability, so it is important to have a good church insurance policy in force at all times.

Some types of coverage that might make up your church's individual Colorado church insurance plan include:

General liability. Most church policies include general liability insurance with basic protection for church attendees, employees of the church, church officials and any staff, as well as people who volunteer for the church. In addition, this type of coverage also handles expenses for ideuries that inflicted on third parties if they perform work at the church or on church grounds.

Pastors and ministers liability coverage. This type of coverage provides insurance against liability for giving spiritual counseling. Some companies may require that the minister or pastor providing counseling services has a degree in divinity or theology.

Liability for church-sponsored activities. Coverage for liability arising from church-sponsored. If your church is like most, you often host activities such as dinners, picnics, baseball games, or vacation Bible school. This type of insurance ensures that the church is not left with financial responsibility if a person is injured during a church-sponsored event.

Fire insurance. Churches have the same perils as all other structures, but some more so than other due to the use of candles in ceremonies at the church. If your building or other structure is damaged by fire, fire insurance can help cover the damage up to your limits, minus any deductible.

Cemetery liability insurance. If you also maintain a cemetery on your church's property, then cemetery liability insurance ensures that any claims for damage or liability brought by the decedent's family are covered.

Daycare insurance. If your church operates a daycare facility on site, then this type of insurance guards you from the fallout of any claims against your church as a result. This might include failure to provide the specified service, negligent care, or ideuries to children enrolled in the program.

Teacher's liability insurance. If your church is one that operates a parochial skull on its grounds, then this policy provides coverage against liability claims that might result.

Employee practices coverage. If any employee of the church sues the church for discrimination, wrongful termination, or harassment, this policy helps pay for legal counsel and damages.

Trustees, officers, and directors coverage. Cover the board of directors, trustees, and church officials from loss due to liability claims with this type of coverage.

Auto liability insurance. A good commercial insurance policy and a hired or non-owned policy covers accidents resulting on the road in church-owned or privately owned vehicles. The hired auto policy covers private vehicles used for church business.

Protecting the Church's Assets and Property

All of these Colorado church insurance policy types can help ensure that the church does not suffer financial hardship if a claim is brought against it. These policies are different from usually business insurance policies and often must go beyond standard Colorado church insurance coverage to pay claims for loss of tapestries, stained-glass windows, special audio equipment, and more. These coverage types can provide the church compensation if it experiences loss due to theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, and weather. Flood insurance may need to be purchased separately, especially if your church is located in a flood zone.

Beyond basic liability and personal injury coverage, some other specific endorsements that your church may wish to build into its policy include:

Utility services interruption coverage. Cover losses related to the loss of utilities with this type of policy. For example, if the church's water pipes burst and damage its interior, then this insurance can pay for repairs.

Personal property coverage for pastors. If the church houses the pastor, then this insurance covers damage to the pastor's property due to damage in a covered event.

Equipment breakdown insurance. If the church's computer system, sound system, heating system, or other equipment breaks down, this coverage can kick in and pay for repairs or replacements.

Personal effects insurance. If church members travel on church business, this policy pays for property losses.

Key-person replacement insurance. If a key church director or pastor should pass away, this coverage helps pay recruitment costs for finding a replacement.

Employee theft. This type of insurance rider covers embezzlement, fraud, and theft by bonded church employees.

Work with a seasoned insurance agent to determine which types of Colorado church insurance your church needs and which endorsements or riders make sense for the church's unique needs.

Colorado Church's Risks & Exposures

Property exposure is high due to the building being unoccupied the majority of the time, which can encourage vandalism or break-ins. Small fires can quickly get out of control when no one is on premises. Regular daily visits to the premises by a member of the clergy or a parishioner can be very helpful in preventing and detecting losses. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning equipment. There may be cooking facilities for community events. While domestic ranges and ovens are generally used and should be supplemented by portable fire extinguishers, any commercial cooking equipment needs to be properly controlled.

Many churches have installed sound systems that are attractive to thieves, as are computers and other office equipment, video devices, and musical instruments. Some churches, particularly older ones, have ornate woodwork, built-in pipe organs, or stained glass windows that may be expensive to replace in the event of a loss. Smoke alarms and burglary alarms are recommended due to the long hours of no occupancy. Gold, silver, and other valuable items may be part of the church statuary and ornamentation. A fine arts policy should be considered because of the limitation in most policies regarding the theft of such items.

Premises liability exposure is moderate due to the large number of visitors to the premises. To prevent slips, trips, or falls, all areas accessible to clients must be well maintained with floor covering in good condition. All public and life safety standards must be met. Stairways, railings, and floor coverings should be in good condition. The number of exits must be sufficient and clearly marked, free of obstacles, with backup lighting in the event of a power outage.

Parking areas should be maintained free of snow and ice. Background checks should be conducted on all individuals, including volunteers, who work with children, youth groups, or other vulnerable members. Any group trips must provide enough leadership to adequately supervise participants. Churches and other religions institutions can pose an attractive nuisance hazard. There should be adequate security after hours to deter trespassers.

Professional liability and counseling exposures are moderate. All individuals should counsel only within their area of expertise and licensure. Maintaining a members' privacy is critical. Counseling should be done in private areas so others cannot overhear confidential conversations.

Workers compensation exposure varies by state. The church may not be required to purchase workers compensation coverage for members of the clergy even if other members of the paid staff may be. However, if the law permits the clergy and other staff to be covered by workers compensation, failure to do so may result in the church being subject to a lawsuit from an injured worker that could close the church.

Ministers may make house calls or visit members in hospitals or nursing homes. Employees can slip and fall, suffer back injuries from lifting, or incur contact dermatitis, lung, and respiratory illness from working with cleaning supplies.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and money and securities. The employee dishonesty coverage should be extended to include volunteers. All collections should be counted by two individuals. Deposits and disbursements should be carried out by two separate persons. Annual audits should be conducted. Deposits should be made on a regular basis. No money should be kept on premises.

Inland marine exposure is from audio-video equipment, computers, fine arts, mobile equipment used for lawn maintenance, musical instruments, and valuable papers and records for charters and donations. Fine arts may include paintings, statuary, or items used for religious services. Items used off premises can be damaged in transit or stolen.

Commercial auto exposure is very high if the church provides any transportation for members, students, faculty, clergy, or visitors. Churches often operate on a shoestring budget and may purchase older buses or vans for transporting groups. It is critical that these vehicles be maintained on a regular basis with all service documented. Drivers must be trained in the proper handling of these larger vehicles and have appropriate licenses. MVRs must be ordered regularly on all drivers, including those who are voluntary.

Car seats must be used as required by state law. Churches depend on volunteers to provide small group transportation, which increases the hired nonownership exposure. Any drivers who are transporting others in their own vehicles on church-related activities must have adequate insurance.

Colorado Economic Data & Business Insurance Information

If you're thinking about doing business in Colorado, it's important to familiarize yourself with the economic status of the state, as well as the regulations and limits regarding insurance for businesses. Below, we offer insight into pertinent economic data related to the state of Colorado, as well as key business insurance information so that you can put your best foot forward and make the best decisions for your business in the Centennial State.

Business Economic Trends In The State Of Colorado

According to recent reports from the leading economic researchers, the state of Colorado has a healthy outlook, economically speaking. While fewer jobs will be added in 2018 than have been in recent years, the growth rate is still expected to climb.

It's anticipated that entrepreneurs who are really interested in taking risks in new ventures will be the leading contributors for the state's economic growth. However, less risky industries will lend to the economy, as well, such as cloud computing and cybersecurity.

In regard to the fuel industry, it is anticipate that there will be an increase in valuation of about 9 percent in the year 2018, and this growth pertains mainly to gas and oil. This increase will largely be due to the improvement in energy prices, which are lower this year than they have been in recent years. It's hopeful that energy prices will continue to fall so that these industries can continue to thrive.

In terms of agriculture, it's projected that farms in the state of Colorado will do a little better this year than they did in 2017. Leading economic research agencies are expecting that the income from agriculture will reach nearly $1.4 billion in 2020.

In regard to the retail market, it is also expected that this industry will see steady growth, despite the rising trend of e-commerce solutions. In fact, it's estimated that the rate of employment in the retail sector will increase by as much as 2.1 percent during the 2020 fiscal year.

Regulations And Limits For CO Commercial Insurance

The Colorado Division of Insurance regulates insurance in Colorado. CO is considered a "fault state", meaning that business owners are not legally required to carry liability insurance; however, liability coverage is the type of commercial insurance that is most commonly purchased in the state. Commercial liability insurance covers business owners and their clients for things like bodily and personal injury, commercial property damage, and injuries that pertain to advertising injuries.

The only commercial insurance that business owners are required to carry is workers' compensation insurance. Any business that employees an hourly or wage staff must carry this type of coverage to protect their employees.

Additional Resources For Non-Profit Insurance

Find useful articles on business insurance for non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, charities and associations.

For 501(c) Non-Profits - Directors And Officers Liability Insurance has become an increasingly important policy to have. D&O coverage protects insured directors or officers against claims involving allegations of wrongful acts occurring while performing their duties as such. The insurance is divided into two separate coverages:

Side A coverage reimburses the individual directors and officers for payments made for loss each has incurred because of wrongful acts.

Side B coverage reimburses the corporation for the payments it has made on behalf of the directors or officers themselves.

General Liability is a foundational policy for almost any business. Most companies do not have any control over the final cost of injuries to a person injured because of their operations, products, or services. The person injured may be a young child, a blue-collar worker, a surgeon, or a homeless person.

The cost of the injuries may be comparatively minor or run into the millions of dollars, depending on the person and the extent of his or her injuries. Do you have sufficient assets to pay such a loss?

Commercial general liability insurance is designed to help you protect your assets with three main coverages:

Also learn about Colorado small business insurance requirements for general liability, business property, commercial auto & workers compensation including CO business insurance costs. Call us
(720) 500-2051.

Disclaimer

The commercial insurance content available on this page is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or financial advice.

General Liability Insure does not warrant or make any representations regarding the usefulness of or the expected results of the material contained on this website. You should contact your attorney, accountant and/or financial adviser to obtain advice with respect to any particular commercial insurance question, claim or issue.